BATTLE GROUND — Addison Harris called it incredible.
Sophie Buzzard couldn’t be more proud of her teammate.
That self-described incredible performance by their Camas Papermakers’ teammate, Reagan Jamison, is one of the reasons why the Papermakers were beaming after their 52-48 victory over Kamiakin of Kennewick in the teams’ 4A girls Opening Round state game.
The win sends Camas (22-3) straight to next week’s Class 4A quarterfinals at the Tacoma Dome. Kamiakin (20-4) plays in Wednesday’s Round-of-12 game.
Not only were Jamison’s teammates proud of her performance of six points and team-best four steals in 17 minutes off the bench, but they were equally proud to see her back on the floor.
Friday’s game was Jamison’s first time back in uniform since late December. A nagging hip injury forced the junior to sit out nearly two months, and extensive physical therapy daily got her ready just in time for the big stretch of the postseason. In fact, she said she initially thought the injury would keep her out the rest of the season, so Friday went better than expected.
“It felt great,” Jamison said postgame. “I was a little nervous coming into the game just to see how my body felt, but I felt really good.
“… It’s been tough, and definitely a mental thing, too,” Jamison said of her two months of physical theraphy. “My team has been backing me up, so it’s been really good.”
In fact, coach Scott Thompson said she played through pain during the first part of the season and. Jamison recently got cleared to practice, and took part in practice all week in preparation for Friday.
“She looks amazing,” Thompson said. … “She looks like she’s back and maybe better than ever.”
Friday, she received a loud ovation when lineups were introduced — starters and reserves for both teams. Then came two clutch plays to help Camas seal the victory courtesy of Jamison.
Up 50-48 inside 1 minute left, Jamison stepped into the passing lane for the steal, and her coast-to-coast layin gave Camas a 52-48 cushion. Seconds later, Jamison racked up another steal as the seconds ticked down.
It was part of clutch defense by Camas; it had steals in three consecutive possessions after Kamiakin tied the score at 48-all with 1:19 to go. Camas led by as many as 34-18 before a big 13-2 run sparked the Braves’ comeback. The outside shots that weren’t falling in the first half were the final 16 minutes; Kamiakin drilled seven 3s and a banked-in 3 by Idaho State-bound Maddy Rendall tied the game at 48-all with 1:19 to play.
Parker Mairs’ steal eventually led to Addie Harris’ step-through that gave Camas a 50-48 advantage. Harris finished with 19 points on 8 of 10 shooting and had four blocks. Riley Sanz added 13 points and Sophie Buzzard had eight.
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CAMAS 52, KAMIAKIN 48
KAMIAKIN — Nikole Thomas 3, Maddy Rendall 9, Aubrey Herrin 3, Leana Lepe 8, Nicole Wertenberger 9, Emaunii Smith 2, Camia Howard 16. Totals 18 (8) 5-13 48.
CAMAS — Reagan Jamison 6, Kendall Mairs 0, Riley Sanz 13, Sophie Buzzard 8, Parker Mairs 3, Addison Harris 19, Keirra Thompson 3. Totals 20 (3) 6-10 52.
Kamiakin 7 7 17 20 – 48
Camas 15 12 13 12 – 52
